UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s upcoming visit to India from October 8 to 9 marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, with defence, technology, and trade taking centre stage. The visit, coinciding with the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, will see Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engage in high-level discussions amid a rapidly evolving global economic landscape.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the visit on October 4, emphasising its importance in advancing the India-UK partnership. This follows Modi’s July trip to London, which culminated in a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) now in the ratification phase. The FTA, set to take effect next year, is expected to boost bilateral trade by $35 billion, reducing tariffs on key goods such as textiles and whisky while opening new market opportunities for both economies.
Beyond trade, the two leaders will assess progress on the Vision 2035 framework, a long-term strategy for collaboration in defence, technology, climate change, and migration. A key focus will be the Defence Industrial Roadmap, designed to foster joint development and production of military equipment. This initiative could accelerate innovation in defence technology, particularly in areas like unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing—sectors where both nations are investing heavily.
Security concerns will also dominate the agenda. India has repeatedly urged the UK to take firmer action against pro-Khalistan groups operating on British soil. During his July visit, Modi warned that “forces with extremist ideology cannot be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms,” stressing the need for accountability. Starmer’s visit provides an opportunity to address these concerns and strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.
The implications of US President Donald Trump’s trade and immigration policies will also be on the table. Both nations have felt the ripple effects of these policies, and officials view Starmer’s visit as a chance to align strategies for navigating global economic shifts. This includes leveraging technology partnerships to modernise financial systems, a priority underscored by Starmer’s participation in the Global Fintech Fest.
With the FTA nearing completion and strategic frameworks already in motion, Starmer’s visit signals renewed momentum in India-UK ties. The discussions in Mumbai could set the stage for deeper collaboration in defence technology, trade, and security, positioning both nations to address the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.